The process
the prompt
Non-profit, the Windy Van Hooten Teaching Garden, requests a poster to advertise an autumnal fundraiser “Garden Opry 2026”. The poster should contain an image that can be reproduced on merchandise like t-shirts and bags. The teaching garden and the event are located in Alabama. Fundraiser will include live music, soul food.
Our client wanted a bluegrass concert poster vibe. It was also important that we incorporate some of Windy Van Hooten’s established visual identity. And finally, there had to be a gnome.
The Brainstorm
Collect images and research! There was lots to investigate:
Grand Ole’ Opry, local music, southern foods, Alabama flora and fauna, Windy Van Hooten’s website and instagram, and southern cultural traditions.
Phoebe Wahl
Amelia Bennet
Sketching
Comparing notes
We discuss our findings, share what works, what doesn’t. Hone the vision! Usually a Pinterest board is involved:
Stella Mae Pettway
Collaging our reference image
Our reference image contains 140 modified images. Go, go Photoshop! So many gigabytes…
Execution
Text and Refinement
With the final image in hand, we needed to check in with the client. There were some adjustments she requested - tone down the possum skeleton, remove some details about the menu, and one of the bands cancelled - so strike them from the agenda!
